Helldivers 2 has witnessed a significant expansion in its arsenal, particularly in the realm of energy weapons. With the introduction of new energy-based guns in the Cutting Edge Warbond, players now have a plethora of options to choose from. This surge in choices, coupled with enhancements to energy and incendiary damage types, prompts the question: which energy weapon should accompany you on your next mission?
After analyzing the performance of each weapon against various adversaries, certain energy-based weapons in Helldivers 2 have emerged as clear standouts. While most energy weapons have their utility, the LAS-5 Dagger, LAS-16 Sickle, and PLAS-1 Scorcher reign supreme. Read on to uncover the scenarios where these weapons shine and why they outclass the competition.
6 SG-8P Punisher Plasma
Not the Ideal Choice
- Sluggish firing rate
- Requires reloading after each shot
- Proneness to friendly fire
- Limited ammo capacity
At the bottom of the ranking sits the SG-8P Punisher Plasma. While effective against swarms of enemies due to its area-of-effect damage, this shotgun from the Cutting Edge Premium Warbond combines the least favorable attributes of both shotguns and energy weapons in Helldivers 2.
Inherited from shotguns are a small magazine size and poor long-range efficacy, while from energy weapons, it inherits delayed response times and subpar damage output. These limitations confine engagements to short ranges, necessitating frequent reloads without the compensatory high damage output required for breathing space between shots. Moreover, the risk of friendly fire from explosive ammo turns each close-range shot into a precarious balance between eliminating foes and endangering oneself.
5 ARC-12 Blitzer
Mastering the Energy Shotgun
- Infinite ammunition
- Area-of-effect arcs
- Enemy stun capabilities
- Moderate firing rate
In contrast, the ARC-12 Blitzer proves to be a stellar choice for combating enemy swarms and addresses many of the Punisher's drawbacks. This weapon, also obtainable from the Cutting Edge Warbond, unleashes energy arcs with each shot capable of hitting single or multiple targets based on distance.
While sharing the common drawback of a sluggish firing rate typical of energy-based weapons, the Blitzer compensates with unlimited ammo, eliminating the need for primary weapon reloads. Additionally, the electric arcs briefly stun struck enemies, providing brief respite from the horde between shots.
4 LAS-5 Scythe
Specialized Efficiency in Precision
- Delivers precise beam damage
- Ammunition never depletes
- Heat-based mechanics
- Limited effectiveness against armored foes
Unlike the preceding primaries, the LAS-5 Scythe, part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbond accessible to all players, serves as a precise mid-range weapon emitting a continuous beam of moderate damage, akin to a submachine gun in function.
However, its reliance on heat mechanics and absence of armor-piercing capabilities render it niche in application. The Scythe excels against patrols or small clusters of weaker adversaries but falters against large enemy waves or armored targets.
To optimize the Scythe's performance, pair it with a secondary and Support Weapon compensating for its deficiencies, such as the EAT and the Redeemer sidearm. Alternatively, consider deploying the Laser Guard Dog to deploy an automated LAS-5 Scythe while wielding a different primary.
3 PLAS-1 Scorcher
Reign of the Precision Rifle
- Effective at mid to long ranges
- Offers precision and responsiveness
- Utilizes explosive ammunition
- Limited magazine capacity
Prior to the introduction of the Cutting Edge Warbond, the PLAS-1 Scorcher reigned as the pinnacle of energy-based weaponry. Operating akin to a Marksman Rifle, this gun delivers highly accurate shots with minimal recoil, excelling against armored adversaries due to its explosive ammo.
Despite its remarkable features, the Scorcher grapples with a diminutive magazine capacity, necessitating frequent ammo resupplies. To mitigate this, consider complementing it with a Support weapon boasting higher ammo capacity such as one of the game's machine guns.
2 LAS-7 Dagger
Reliable Backup with Energy
- Sole energy-based Secondary Weapon
- Unlimited ammunition reservoir
- Heat-based operation
- High precision
Positioned on the third page of the Cutting Edge Warbond, the LAS-7 Dagger stands out as the lone energy-based Secondary Weapon presently available. Typically, Secondary Weapons serve to conserve ammo or assist in carrying objects during missions, expected to wield less power than your Primary. In this context, the Dagger proves to be an excellent selection.
Boasting an endless ammo supply, making it ideal for quick swaps in emergencies, the Dagger's exceptional precision transforms it into a quasi-sniper during medium-range engagements. However, drawbacks include the costly Heat Sink replacement if overheated, though this seldom occurs given its secondary role. Additionally, its modest damage output, even by Secondary Weapon standards, demands sustained aiming at foes to inflict significant harm.
1 LAS-16 Sickle
Enhanced Efficiency in Combat
- Infinite ammo supply
- Negligible recoil and sway
- Rapidly eliminates large non-armored or lightly armored groups
- Mitigates the delayed response time prevalent in many energy-based weapons
Dubbed the elite among energy-based weaponry in Helldivers 2, the LAS-16 Sickle is frequently likened to an upgraded AR-23 Liberator. Featured on the initial page of the Cutting Edge Warbond, the Sickle mirrors the Liberator's damage output while boasting a superior fire rate, minimal recoil, and limitless ammunition.
Despite its prowess, the Sickle struggles in certain scenarios. Similar to the Liberator, the LAS-16 Sickle grapples with inadequate medium armor penetration, posing challenges on missions of difficulty six or higher. To address this limitation, consider equipping an anti-tank support weapon like the Quasar Cannon for compensation. Furthermore, managing the weapon's heat levels is crucial to capitalize on its infinite capacity, necessitating a reliable Secondary Weapon for interim use while the Sickle cools down.